Diagnostic apparatus including passive autoloader

Abstract

A microscope assembly for use in an automated microscope apparatus has a support frame; a cartridge magazine actuator assembly connected to the support frame; a subframe; a plurality of vibration isolators connecting the support frame to the subframe; an XYZ drive connected to the subframe; and an optical stage connected to the subframe. In some embodiments the assembly further includes a cartridge gripper connected to said XYZ drive. In some embodiments, the cartridge magazine actuator assembly includes an input element, an output element, and a transfer assembly interconnecting the input element and the output element, with the transfer assembly configured to linearly advance the output element upon linear depression of the input element.

Description

RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 61 / 881,222, filed Sep. 23, 2013, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention concerns diagnostic methods and apparatus, particularly methods and apparatus useful for detecting white blood cells or analytes in bodily fluids of production animals (for example, bovine mastitis in cattle from milk).BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Mastitis is the inflammation of the mammary gland caused by microorganisms that invade one or more quadrants of the bovine udder, multiply, and produce toxins that are harmful to the mammary gland. Economic loss to mastitis in the United States is estimated to be over 2 billion dollars. This is approximately 10% of the total value of farm milk sales, and about two-thirds of this loss is due to reduced milk production in subclinically infected cows.[0004]In subclinical mas...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is related to an automated microscope system that can load and image samples in a fast and efficient manner. The system includes an XYZ drive, a cartridge gripper, an imaging system, and a cartridge magazine actuator assembly. The cartridge magazine actuator assembly includes an input element, an output element, and a transfer assembly that can linearly advance the output element. The system also includes a cartridge stripper that can eject a cartridge from the gripper and a humidification element in the upper magazine body portion. The technical effects of the invention include improved automation and efficiency in loading and imaging samples, as well as improved humidification control.

Problems solved by technology

This is approximately 10% of the total value of farm milk sales, and about two-thirds of this loss is due to reduced milk production in subclinically infected cows.

One method for detecting the differential milk leukocyte count is using flow-cytometry, which is an expensive, sophisticated tool typically only found in top research laboratories and generally not practical for the farmer.

Another method for detecting the differential milk leukocyte count is the “manual milk differential smear” (MMDS), which is a difficult and time consuming procedure, and is subject to great variability, even when performed by highly trained laboratory technologists.

Both flow cytometry and MMDS present practical difficulties for field research or a barn environment.

While manual and automated procedures for carrying out disease detection with the aid of such a sample cartridge are described, again there is not described a system and apparatus useful for implementing such procedures in a field or barn environment.

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